Dodge Improves the Ram in 2009

02.20.08 | No Comments

Today’s trucks can’t simply rest on having power or dependability like they once could. With so much new competition in the truck market coming from all sides, it seems that we are seeing the best brought out in the leading truck makers. The 2009 model year is no different, as the 2009 Dodge Ram brings together all of the factors necessary in creating a top tier truck in today’s market.

The latest Ram certainly has the power, with the new flagship motor being a 5.7 liter HEMI V8. This motor produces 380 HP along with 404 lb – feet of torque, more than enough for the general needs of the truck owner. Also available is a slightly less powerful 4.7 liter V8, which produces 310 horsepower with 330 lb – feet of torque. For those that are more mileage conscious is the 3.7 liter V6, which produces 215 horsepower and 235 lb – ft torque. All of these options combine to give customers plenty of options to choose from.

The Ram has yet another improvement in the chassis, where a new high strength steel multi link coil spring rear suspension has improved the ride and handling while avoiding in degradation in payload or towing capacity. The estimated payload on the latest Ram is 1840 pounds, while the towing capacity is estimated at 9100 pounds.

On the interior, the Ram has finally found a completely revamped design. For years one of the major issues customers have had with the Ram is that its interior fell well behind the competition. With Dodge having spent far more time on the exterior design in the past, the interior makeover was long overdue, and should leave customers far more satisfied. The cabin now includes redesigned controls, chrome accents, and premium seating.

The new Ram will be offered in regular cab, quad cab, and crew cab. The box lengths will come as the 8 foot available only on the regular cab, the 6 foot 4 inch available on the regular and quad cabs, and a new 5 foot 7 inch available only on the crew cab. The Ram also offers a storage area in the panels above the rear tires that allows for additional storage in an area that is usually dead space. This small storage area is proof of the focus that Dodge has put on customer satisfaction. This renewed focus on the customer is what seems to be driving the new Ram to its heights of popularity.

The 2009 Dodge Ram will come available in five separate trim levels, including the ST, SLT, TRX, Sport, and the top of the line Laramie. Each of these trim levels will have a distinctly unique appearance. While each trim level will change the exterior appearance of the Ram slightly, the most recognizable front end in the truck market remains much the same, as Dodge has apparently decided that staying with what has been working is the right option. The willingness of the company to finally take the advice of its customers and focus the innovative design team on the interior appears to be a decision that the truck maker won’t soon regret.